motorcycle insurance

Spring means clear roads and sunny days ahead, which motivates us to be outside more. Perhaps one way you plan on enjoying the nicer weather is by feeling the wind in your hair…literally. Motorcycles are perceived as a cheaper (and much more exciting depending on who you ask) alternative to your standard vehicles. However, what newbies don’t put into account is motorcycle insurance costs for first-time bike riders. Is it more expensive? And what all factors are considered for these costs?

Here is what you need to know about insurance costs for first-time bike riders:

What to Expect

Even though it may seem that motorcycles should have cheaper insurance options than regular motor vehicles, this is not always the case. An older car may have lower rates than a brand new street bike, insurance company Trusted Choice explains. They go on to say that rates do depend on where you live, the type of motorcycle, and how often you’ll ride. For example, if you live in New York and will only ride three months out of the year, you will pay less in insurance costs than someone who will ride every season, they say.

But, regardless of where you live, two factors come into play for higher insurance rates: age and experience.

What You Need to Know

Insurance costs for first-time bike riders tend to be higher. In an article by James Hirby on The Law Dictionary, younger and newly-licensed riders should “expect to pay a substantial premium” for a motorcycle policy. The reason for this, he writes, is that national statistics show younger riders are more likely to be involved in serious accidents, unlike older, more experienced drivers.

Along with age and experience, if you also live in an area with higher accident and crime rates, you should expect to pay a higher premium due to increased risk, Trusted Choice adds.

How often you plan to ride also affects your rates. For instance, if your bike will be your main source of transportation, this will lead to paying more on your policy. Conversely, if you plan to only use it leisurely, you will pay less.

What You Can Do

Naturally, one way to see about reducing the amount you’ll pay is to do a price comparison between companies. You should do this prior to even purchasing your bike.

Another way to reduce insurance costs, Hirby and the Law Dictionary staff advise not purchasing collision or comprehensive insurance on the bike. They say that if you bought the bike with your own money, you are not obligated to pay for the cost of repairs in the event of an accident. This alone could save you an extra $100 per month.

Additionally, Trusted Choice notes that bikes with larger engines that are more powerful will also affect your insurance costs. As a first-time rider, spend your first few years on a smaller bike in order to reduce your premium. You can always upgrade later. (And, you’ll be able to afford to do so a little more easily.)

Lastly, you should get your motorcycle license and take a rider training course to reduce your premiums. This will show insurance companies that you took the time to learn how to become a skilled, cautious rider.

The good news is that costs will go down with age (and experience). So, be patient and wise about your decisions, and you’ll be enjoying that open road at lower rates in no time.

Are you or have you been a first-time rider? Do you find these tips useful? Share your own thoughts and tips in the comments below!